Income ceiling for BTO flats to be raised from S$14,000 to S$16,000, more ballot chances for family with children

PM Wong touched on a variety of issues during the National Day Rally.

One of which was the issue of Singapore's Total Fertility Rate (TFR).

PM Wong said that the government is aiming for more than incremental improvements or changes to individual schemes, they want to make a fundamental shift in how they support families.

For BTO flats, it will go up from $14,000 to $16,000. For Executive Condos (ECs), it will go from S$16,000 to S$18,000.

According to HDB, the income ceiling for home buyers purchasing subsidised HDB flats is set at $14,000 for families, and $7,000 for singles.

This is to ensure that the new subsidised HDB flats are prioritised for lower to upper-middle income families.

For new Executive Condos (ECs), the current ceiling is at $16,000.

The income ceilings were last adjusted in 2019.

The monthly household income ceiling will be raised from $14,000 to S$16,000 for eligible families who apply for an HFE letter from Aug. 24, 2026, to:

a) Buy a new subsidised HDB flat from HDB;

b) Buy a resale HDB flat on the open market with the CPF Housing Grant; or

c) Obtain an HDB housing loan for the purchase of a new or resale HDB flat.

The monthly household income ceiling for eligible singles aged 35 and above purchasing a subsidised HDB flat or obtaining an HDB housing loan will be raised as well.

The monthly household income ceiling for households looking to buy a new EC unit will also be raised from $16,000 to $18,000.

The revised income ceiling will apply to new units in ECs with land sale tender closing dates on or after 24 August 2026.

The revised income ceiling will not apply to balance units in existing ECs, or new units in ECs with land sale tenders awarded before Aug. 24,  2026.

PM Wong said that over the years, Singapore has steadily increased housing supply, and now success rates for booking BTO flats are higher, and waiting times are shorter.

He also noted that the resale market had stabilised. These improvements, Wong said, gave them the confidence to do more.

PM Wong also pointed out that Singaporeans were marrying later, and that by the time they settle down, the couples were further along in their careers and earning more.

Which meant they would cross the current income ceilings.

Secure flat sooner

PM Wong said they will also do more to help first-timer families with children secure a flat sooner.

While Singapore is already giving priority to couples who are engaged as well as married couples, PM Wong said that those with children should receive even greater priority.

PM Wong said first-timer families applying for a new flat will get one additional ballot chance – for every child they have or are expecting.

He says this will significantly improve their chances of getting a flat.

"So the more children you have, the more ballot chances you will receive – because we want to help growing families secure a home sooner."

From the Feb. 2027 sales exercise, first-timer families with or expecting children will receive one additional ballot chance for each Singapore Citizen child aged 18 and below. This will apply to all BTO and SBF flat applications.

According to a statement issued by HDB and MND, to give potential flat buyers sufficient time to review their housing plans and apply for an HFE letter under the revised income ceilings, the next BTO sales exercise will be held in Nov. 2026, instead of Oct. 2026.

They encouraged flat buyers who wish to participate in the BTO sales exercise to apply for an HFE letter early and submit all required documents by Sep. 25, 2026.

About 7,960 flats in Bedok, Geylang, Sembawang, Tengah, Toa Payoh and Yishun will be launched in the upcoming November BTO sales exercise.

Large families

PM Wong noted that under this new approach, larger families will automatically receive more financial support.

But he acknowledged that some needs grow more sharply as families get bigger.

Here are the areas he focused on to help these larger families..

1. An additional MediSave top-up, to help with your healthcare expenses.

2. More help with transport needs.

3. Bigger homes for larger families.

PM Wong says he has asked Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat to consider additional housing support for larger families.